Kimbrel picked up a save as the Red Sox clinched the American League Pennant with a scoreless inning in Game 5 Thursday against the Astros, permitting just one walk and no hits and striking out two.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel entered the game with a three-run lead and allowed a one out walk to Yuli Gurriel but retired the next two batters to nail down the save for the Red Sox. The closer recorded 42 saves with a 2.74 ERA in the regular season and needed just 14 pitches to earn his fifth save in five postseason chances.

Kimbrel picked up his 41st save of the season Saturday against the Mets, striking out one across a perfect ninth inning.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel needed just 16 pitches -- 10 of which were strikes -- to retire the Mets in order. He's now converted all four of his save chances in September, striking out nine batters while issuing just three walks across six innings in those appearances. Kimbrel's 41 saves are the second most in the majors.

Kimbrel walked one and struck out two, picking up the save in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel saved it for David Price, who was brilliant in seven innings of three-hit, no-run pitching. It was Kimbrel's 39th save and seventh time in the last eight outings he hasn't allowed a run. Kimbrel had a rough patch in late July and early August, but has somewhat righted the ship, allowing one run over his last nine innings, although the seven walks allowed over that stretch is a troubling sign.

Kimbrel picked up his 38th save of the season Wednesday against the Braves, issuing one walk while striking out two across a scoreless ninth inning.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel was called upon after the Red Sox rallied to take the lead with two runs in the top of the ninth inning, and he needed just 18 pitches (10 strikes) to close the door on the Braves. The right-hander has now converted 38 of his 43 save chances this season, posting a shiny 2.45 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 84:27 K:BB across 55 innings in the process.

Kimbrel struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 37th save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

The closer had been scuffling in late July and early August, allowing runs in five of six appearances at one point, but he seems to be back on track now. Kimbrel's 37 saves are already his highest total in three seasons with Boston, and a big finish to the campaign would allow him to challenge the career-high 50 he posted in 2013.

Kimbrel allowed a leadoff walk but recorded one strikeout en route to a scoreless ninth inning to record the save Tuesday against the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

There was a bit less drama for Kimbrel this time around, but the tying run still moved into scoring position when Scott Kingery stole second base with two outs. The 30-year-old is now 36-of-40 in save opportunities this season with a 2.52 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 76 strikeouts across 50 innings.

Kimbrel allowed allowed a hit and a walk while striking out three to pick up the save in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel's command was off with just 14 of his 25 pitches going for strikes, but managed to strike out the final two batters for his 35th save. It was another shaky effort in recent run of shaky outings. Over his last six games, Kimbrel has blown two saves and given up six runs on seven hits, including two home runs, five walks and a hit batsman.

Kimbrel allowed one run on two hits and two walks while striking out two in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

It was a non-save situation for Kimbrel, which has been problematic for him since he joined the Red Sox. The closer has a 3.72 ERA (four earned runs, 9.2 innings) in non-save situations in 2018, and a 1.98 ERA (eight earned runs, 36.1 innings) when a save is on the line. There was some discussion following the game about bringing Kimbrel in after starter Nathan Eovaldi was so efficient over eight scoreless innings (93 pitches), but it comes down to Kimbrel hadn't pitched in five days and needed the work.

Kimbrel tossed a scoreless ninth inning and struck out one as he picked up the save Sunday against the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel drilled the second batter of the inning, but he managed to escape without surrendering a run after inducing a groundball for a double play. The 30-year-old bounced back following a blown save Friday night by nailing down his 33rd save of the season.

Kimbrel blew his third save chance of the season, allowing two runs on one hit and three walks over 1.1 innings in Friday's 4-3 extra inning win over the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Kimbrel was well rested, having three days rest before coming on in the eighth inning to get the final four outs, so overuse wasn't a factor. The closer told Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald that he didn't have his best stuff and was grateful his teammates could pick him after costing Chris Sale a win. He had successfully converted 23 save opportunities going back to May 9.